Building inspectors plan to issue second violation notice following home collapse

Building inspectors have issued one notice of violation and plan to issue a second following the collapse of a home that was under construction in San Francisco’s Bernal Heights neighborhood Tuesday morning.

The collapse was reported at 501 Crescent Ave. just after 10 a.m., according to a fire department spokesman.

No one was injured in the collapse and no neighboring structures were threatened, according to fire officials.

Department of Building Inspection officials today said the vacant building’s entire front portion collapsed after the entire back portion of the building was removed.

The property owner had permits for interior remodeling and work on the roof and foundation, but not for the work on the back of the house, according to Dan Lowrey, deputy director for inspection services.

The department issued a notice of violation today for the unsafe structure, and expects to issue another for exceeding the scope of permits.

The property owner will be required to come in to the department within 24 hours to come up with a plan to correct the situation, and will also have to file for new permits that reflect the actual scope of work. The property owner could also face potential penalties for the violations.

The house has been the subject of a number of previous complaints, including three from earlier this year, but none are currently active, according to department records.

The most recent, filed on November 23rd, alleged that the property was:

“literally falling down; debris left for months and no work is being done. A dangerous condition and blight on the neighborhood. The property has been in a state of partial construction for literally years and is further from completion than it was 8 months ago.”

That case was closed on Nov. 28 after inspectors found that work was being done within the scope of permits and advised the contractor to maintain the job site.

Two complaints filed in July alleged halted construction, broken windows and debris piled in the yard and work being done without permits.

Both were resolved quickly.